Three activists from Newfoundland are still being held in Israel after their Gaza-bound aid flotilla was intercepted at sea. Devoney Ellis, Sadie Mees, and Nikita Stapleton were on board the vessel called the Conscience, part of a flotilla of nine ships attempting to reach Gaza. Israeli forces stopped the flotilla on Wednesday, detaining numerous activists, including the trio from Newfoundland and three other Canadians.
The organizers of the flotilla criticized the detentions as “arbitrary and unlawful.” Israel’s foreign ministry stated that the detained participants were in good health and would be brought ashore for processing before deportation.
While the Newfoundland activists remain in custody, reports from CTV News indicate that the other three Canadians, including a Montreal doctor, have been released. Limited information is available, with Vicki Axford, Sadie Mees’ aunt, expressing concern over the lack of updates. Global Affairs Canada confirmed that the Canadian activists are in the process of being deported or have already been deported.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand urged all detained Canadians to accept consular assistance from Ottawa to facilitate their return home. Recent history includes a Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023, resulting in casualties and hostages. A ceasefire deal is imminent, promising the release of all remaining hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
